The ancient text that outlines the laws of the ancient Babylonian civilization is the Code of Hammurabi, created around 1754 BCE. This code is one of the oldest deciphered writings of significant length in the world and consists of 282 laws that covered various aspects of daily life, including trade, property rights, family relations, and justice. The laws were inscribed on a stele and publicly displayed, illustrating the principle of ensuring that legal standards were known by all. The Code of Hammurabi is often cited for its early contribution to the concept of the rule of law and justice in society.